How to get great wedding photos
Getting the most out of your photo session is a topic that comes up over and over again so because of this, I had already written a post on this in the past to cover all these questions and points. I have attached a link at the bottom of this post.
I will still take the time to put in a few tips as you scroll through some of our 2019 wedding highlights. This will be a quick user guide for you to refer to.
1. Book a professional photographer whos portfolio you love
Have you been following a certain photographer for years? even before you get engaged? Well, there is a sure bet that this is a big sign to book them for your big day. If they are not available, look into other photographers who have a similar style and share your vision.
A professional photographer will always have your back and will know how to work a wedding day and get the best out of you and the light and surroundings. This is what sets us apart from those who may not be cut out for the job.
2. Book an engagement shoot
Nervous about being in front of the camera? That’s ok, you are not alone in that feeling. Most who book us say so. We always recommend booking an engagement shoot to get used to how we work and so you get a feel for how we achieve those natural and unforced shots. Plus, we get to know each other better in the process. It’s good fun and an excuse for professional photos. Find out more on these sessions at the end of this post.
3. Create a wedding timeline
Any professional photographer will work with you and your venue to create a wedding day timeline. This will account for any wedding delay traps, where time could be made up and when your photo session will be and for how long. This will relieve a lot of stress and pressure before the big day.
4. Outline a few shots which are really important to you
Let your photographer know which shots are a must ( besides the obvious ones ) so we don’t forget them and also things you really don’t like. However in saying this have trust in us to do our thing and have the creative license to create beautiful photos. There is nothing more halting to creativity than a huge list of do not’s.
5. Book a professional makeup artist and hairstylist
Want to feel and look your best in your wedding photos? Not only will they make you look incredible but that feeling it will bring you will make you feel ready for those wedding photos. Those nervous feelings will be replaced with heck yeah lets rock these photos!
6. Start early on your wedding day
If you want to make sure that any delays do not knock back your wedding photo session ( because it will, this is always where that hit on time goes ) then make sure you have enough time in the morning to get ready. Another tip is to limit the number of people in your wedding party and how many people are with you getting ready. We have been doing this for 11 years and approx 90% of delays are due to the bridal party. It’s perhaps a hard and maybe harsh and unpopular truth but as they say ” too many cooks in the kitchen spoils the broth “.
7. Get people to help
Ask people from the bridal party to help things along. Nominate that loud friend to usher guests to the reception area so you don’t get cornered or pushed into an impromptu receiving line which will have a huge effect on the amount of time we will have to get photos of the two of you.
8. We don’t need a whole heck of a lot of time
Is the amount of time away from your guests making you nervous? Don’t worry. We won’t be those photographers. We only need at most 30 minutes for the two of you. Sometimes we get enough in 20 and sometimes the couple wants to stay out longer as they are enjoying that time away just the two of them. Everyone is different and we go into every wedding knowing this. Rest assured we can achieve a lot in that amount of time. If you want to go somewhere in a car to a specific location then this will take a bit more time but we would have chatted about this before and worked it into the timeline.
9. Just be yourselves, relax and have fun with it!
Don’t overthink this part of the day. Go into it having fun and using it as time away for just the two of you and your photographers of course haha! but, don’t worry a good photographer will make you feel at ease. We are there to get a feel for who you are as a couple. We, of course, need to get that traditional framer shots for the family but the rest of what we aim to capture is fun and natural. No awkwardness here.
We hope that this has helped a bit on answering any questions you may have on how to achieve memorable and beautiful wedding photos.
As mentioned above please click on the links below for further informative posts on how to get the best out of us as your photographers and your big day!
If you enjoyed this post or have any more questions feel free to comment below.
Chantal and Scott x
